5 things to do online before you go travelling

Aussies are world famous for being super chilled out travellers, but sometimes this plays to our disadvantage.

Our relaxed approach to globetrotting has seen 40% of Aussie tourists jump into action adventure without a skerrick of insurance. *collar-tugging*

And over one in ten of us don’t bother with travel insurance at all.

Well to combat this notion that we’re invincible (because we’re sooo not) we’ve put together a list of things you absolutely need to sort out online before you leave home.

In a survey of over 1350 Australians by comparethemarket.com.au, 25% revealed that they would not pay extra to cover adventure activities, while almost a third do not even check if they are covered.

Spokesperson for comparethemarket.com.au Abigail Koch says we’re taking too much risk.

“Australians are leaving themselves exposed to risk and potentially without compensation if they do not carefully check their travel insurance before indulging in holiday adventure activities like paragliding,” she said.

“Often these adrenalin-pumping outings are seen as a great bonding activity for families, but this could end in disaster if they don’t have adequate cover.”

Turns out, we’re also pretty relaxed about political unrest, too. When it comes to ensuring the country we’re travelling to is politically stable and safe for tourists, more than half do not check government websites like Smartraveller before setting off and at least 11% check the sites but don’t bother to heed government warnings.

Before you leave home, Koch says, do these five things online:

1. Check the Commonwealth Government’s Smartraveller website

“The Smartraveller website has the latest up-to-date information on where to travel,” Koch said.

“Check it before you leave Australia because things change so quickly and some places are riskier than you might think. You want to ensure there’s a safety net for you before you go.”

2. Buy travel insurance and ensure you’re covered if you plan to do adventure sports

“Buying travel insurance is key,” Koch said. “Because you never know what can happen once you’re overseas.”

“If you have an accident, you don’t want to be stuck with huge medical bills. Also, check to see if you need extra cover for activities such as jet skiing, sky diving, kite surfing or paragliding.”

3. Check out the activity operator online before you book

“Don’t be caught out by shonky operators,” Koch added.

“If you plan to live to the extreme, check out whose hands you’re putting your life in! Make sure they’re certified and know what they’re doing.”

4. Google your destination to check volcano eruptions, earthquakes, cyclones and weather events

Everything from volcanic ash cancelling flights, to an injury or medical situation can be covered in your travel insurance.

“Recently, many Australian travellers were stranded in Bali due to volcanic ash and some were not covered for extra accommodation costs and expenses and they were stuck for days. Travel insurance is affordable and well worth it in situations like this.”

5. Check 24-hour response lines of insurers

“You’re paying for insurance so make sure you the company offers a 24-hour emergency help line. This is particularly important if you’re travelling to a different time zone,” Koch said.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

Latest comments

sting says:
September 29, 2015 at 2:50 pm
…why can’t we make travel insurance compulsory by lobbying the government to enact it into law… it will also save a lot of tax payers money for the government when it has to provide help to aussies in situations abroad, don’t you think… so if you cannot pay for travel insurance then you shouldn’t be travelling in the first place…
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